Wanted: Employees

"You are who you hire."

Jean Seawright, a management consultant for Seawright & Associates, Winter Park, Fla., reminded attendees of this truth at last week's Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show in Chicago, Ill. Instead of waiting for vacancies in the company, owners need to be proactive, constantly seeking new ways to lure in potential employees.

Here are 24 recruiting strategies she shared during her seminar on hiring talent in the new millennium. 

1. Spare yourself the trouble - ensure current employees are satisfied.
2. Become an employer of choice in the community.
3. Enhance training to groom talent for promotions.
4. Revise your compensation and benefits programs.
5. Offer a cash signing bonus and an employee referral bonus.
6. Stay in touch with former employees; invite them back whenever possible.
7. Create a company resume bank.
8. Start a network of employee contacts.
9. Advertise via paper, Internet, radio and TV.
10. Attend or conduct job fairs.
11. Contact colleges, schools, military bases and outpatient firms.
12. Seek out prospects where potential candidates spend personal time.
13. Network.
14. Offer an open house or make public appearances.
15. Consider part-time workers and/or telecommuting arrangements.
16. Offer internships or educational opportunities.
17. Create a recruiting brochure.
18. Contact trade, professional organizations and churches.
19. Install a toll free number.
20. Use employment services.
21. Contact community organizations and sponsor community functions.
22. Advertise through billboards, banners, bumper stickers, pens and cards.
23. Contact employers who have laid off workers.
24. Advertise through direct mail, envelope stuffers and posters with tear-off coupons.